Megatrend “Globalization”: increasing effects on society

Progressive globalization is distinguished by the ongoing integration and internationalization of markets along with the growing effects on society, ranging from the educational system to the private sphere and relationships.

Developments:

Increasing exports and more involvement of emerging nations in the world trade and economic growth. A new middle class is developing in emerging nations (BRIC, Next Eleven) and also in central and eastern Europe.

The existing “middle-class bulge” industrial nations is diminishing. Social systems suffering from increasing pressure and there is a rising number of super-rich with growing wealth.

Everything that can be automated is examined for feasibility and cost effectiveness. Machines are successively taking over mindless or fatiguing activities. Human responsibility is changing. Work is becoming less labor-intensive and the values are moving from the material toward the immaterial.